Obituary of Penelope Ryan Gomez
Penelope Ryan Gomez, “Queen P,” of Shorewood, passed away at home on August 20, 2024, a few weeks before her 8th birthday. She was surrounded by the great love of her family.
Born September 5, 2016 in New Lenox, Penelope was the beloved daughter of David J. and Alison W. (Hooks) Gomez. She adored her big sister, Marley Ann Marie Vocu, and younger brother, Max David Gomez, and treasured her grandparents, John and Frances Gomez, Wendy “Geeg” Abbott, and Bill Daffron, and her great grandmother, Barbara “Gummie” Naylor.
Her life was filled with fun and love from her Gomez aunts, uncles and cousins: Dan (Shanna) Gomez and Farrah and Emylia and Christina (Dan) Hernandez and Francisco, Laila and Isadora. She is also survived by Colin (Alex) and Isla Hooks. Penelope was blessed with an abundance of extended family and friends who adored her.
She was preceded in death by her Papa, W. David Hooks III, who loved her fiercely.
Crowned Queen P by her Grandpa John, Penelope was beautiful, vibrant and joy-filled. To see her huge smile was to receive a special gift. She loved her family with her whole heart. To P, going on daddy/daughter dates and having her Daddy do her nails was as much fun as listening to inappropriate music in the car with her Mommy. And nothing was better than being with Marley and Max—especially when they were joking and teasing each other.
She adored her three dogs--Meredith Grey, Griffin and Baby Faye. She loved her teachers and friends at Troy Shorewood Elementary. A Swiftie and fashionista at heart, P wanted to be a YouTube influencer.
In March, 2021, Penelope was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Through three and one-half years of brutal treatment, she fought courageously. She didn’t complain. Despite her diagnosis, she lived her life to the fullest, and Mommy and Daddy made sure she achieved that. Penelope was always concerned about and cared for others. Penelope was a kind, feisty old soul—a trait that was especially evident in her final weeks. She wanted to live.
The family wants to thank Dr. Ami DeSai, Dr. Philip Connell and the care team from the University of Chicago Medicine—Comer Children’s Hospital for their compassionate care.
Visitation for Penelope will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Fashionable and colorful clothes are encouraged as a way to celebrate Queen P.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 N. Brookforest Drive, Shorewood, where family and friends will meet for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Give Kids the World Village would be appreciated. This is a nonprofit resort in Central Florida where the Gomez family was treated to a weeklong Disney vacation in April as part of the Make a Wish Foundation. To make an online donation, go to https://www.gktw.org/help/give.php.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
